I know that, basically, theologians have posited that for people who never heard the gospel (early indians, people who never had christianity reach their culture, etc) it would only be reasonable for god to judge them by their "hearts"
but..........
how does that theological assumption account for regular skeptics or atheists who truely are good humans and love their fellowman just as much as any christian. The first group of people (indians, etc) get judged by how "good-hearted" they were,
yet even if an atheist is a more moral and cares more about others than the average "true christian," he goes to hell.
how can a earnest man who loves mankind go to hell just because he found technical "religion" to be a historical myth.
It's not like he personally hates god, it is just he has never seen any particular manifestation or reason to believe that he is not being fed a lie. Right?
2006-11-19 12:52:24 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This is a better question. Unprovoked, a Nazi kills a Jew. After the war, the Nazi dedicates his life to Jesus. The Nazi dies. Who is in heaven-the Nazi, the Jew, neither, or both?
2006-11-19 13:03:54 · answer #1 · answered by hope 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Answer: Belief.
Details: We have two belief systems: One based on observation and one based on revelation.
Science is the collection of theories that explains facts where a fact is an observation by men (note plural) independent of location.
Revelation (I will restrict myself the Christianity) is God's word as spoken by the prophets documented in the Bible. There is no observation, but words from prophets. Prophets are not myths; they are individuals who words are preserved.
From the words, we get God is spirit. God existed before he created all that we can observe. We worship God in spirit and in truth. Heaven is where God is and hell is where he is not. Earth is where man is. God, not man, judges.
There are no words that prove God exists; only information for the believer. The bible is a religious book, not a conversion manual. It is there for all to read.
Where does belief come in? It starts with the prophets. You believe them or you do not. The next question comes regarding putting the belief into action. How Christians act.
There is not a man alive that can know how God will judge. If you are a Christian, you present the Christian message as Jesus asked. You are not required to make anyone believe, just present it. The goal is to teach all nations, not to convert everyone.
Revelation is reveal knowledge, which you can or cannot accept. It is not observations that you can find truth or non truth. It is a belief. What you term is a lie is only a declaration that you do not believe or accept what has been reveal.
Do not confuse people’s action with people’s beliefs. Figure out what you believe and go from there. If you want to see God, read his book. Good luck.
2006-11-19 21:28:43 · answer #2 · answered by J. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your first misconception is that we get to judge ourselves. We don't, only God does. My point is, you can't just say carte blanche that an atheist is going to hell. The same thing applies to the people who never heard as to the atheist who never heard because their mind or heart would not allow them. So God would still be the one to judge their heart. Even so, this idea is a conclusion based on the knowledge of the mercy of God. There may not be anyone outside of being a Christian that has ever gone to Heaven. What we can say with certainty is that God has provided the means through Christianity for a human to attain Heaven. Hope this helps.
2006-11-19 21:11:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nicodemus wanted to discuss "religion" with Jesus.
Jesus told him what he needed: "You must be born again" or "You must be born from above".
Many people know that Jesus "is the way, the truth, and the life" and that "no one comes to the Father" but by Jesus. Those people know what they need to do; it is up to them.
What about the "good humans", the "good atheists", etc.?
Can't we leave that to a holy, just, righteous, yet loving God?
We should never trust on a last-second redemption or opportunity; we should get right with God NOW. However, many believe that God has many ways of presenting the "gospel" to people, even in the moments before death. He will give them every opportunity consistent with what He has revealed -- and He has revealed that it is appointed unto humans ONCE to die AND THEN the judgement.
2006-11-19 21:23:41 · answer #4 · answered by kent chatham 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It says in the New Testament that we are not saved by our works (which would include the fact that "he/she was a good person and did alot for people.") but by our faith in Jesus. I believe that those people who have truly never heard the Gospel are expected to have a "pass." However, I believe that the Bible says that if you hear the Gospel and choose to reject it then you are unworthy of salvation. Now, define "reject." Does that mean renouncing God and/or Christ? Excommunication? Satanic worshipper? I believe the book of Revelation also says something about a certain number of Jews being saved as well (probably those who survive the Tribulations...) Just some things for you to mull over. I would try to seek out a priest, monk, nun, or minister (depending on your faith) and keep in mind that he who seeks shall find...
2006-11-19 21:17:50 · answer #5 · answered by c_macleod_us 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An Atheist is an Atheist for the very reason that he has been approached with the gospel and he has refused it, actually chose NOT to believe it but, the indians or someone of that nature that had never heard the Gospel could not have rejected it if they had not heard it.
2006-11-19 20:58:05 · answer #6 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Strange, I had this exact coversation with a Jehova's Wittness and he told me that God/Christ would give every person an opportunity to know Him before Judgement. ...... Of course, this same man said that his faith didn't believe in a soul that was sepperate from the body and that you were just dead until resurection and then would live forever if judged worthy so take it as you will.
2006-11-19 21:08:35 · answer #7 · answered by mirrorpuck 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bible says there are none good. Therefore, your assumption that a "good" person who doesn't believe that Jesus is the son of God who died on a cross, rose again, and is the only way to salvation, should go to heaven, isn't correct. In God's judgment anyway. Remember, it's not "our" way to God that counts, it is what God has said is the way, the truth and the life, and that is only by faith in His son.
None are without sin.
2006-11-19 20:58:08 · answer #8 · answered by Esther 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The bible clearly tells us that God is no respector of persons. So therefore, If you do not do God's will and do your own will and you know God's will. your in deep trouble. Most of us thinks that you should just believe that christ came and died in the flesh. And if you believe this your save, despite what you do. God's law is the most important to him.. All throghout the bible God dealt with people that broke his law by killing them or having man kill them. This will be reinstated whent he lord returns. The bible says that satan believes in christ and he trembles, but we believe on christ and think feel all powfer puffy,. But Jesus is no powder puff. He is actully pretty mad because we do not keep his laws whcih are clearly stated in the bible.
2006-11-19 21:00:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The question is ,will innocent people who has never heard of Jesus go to Hell, the answer is no. The truth is there are no innocent people, we are all born sinners, even the law God has written in their hearts they have not kept.
2006-11-19 21:00:15 · answer #10 · answered by G3 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Soon, all will bend knee to Jesus.
To deny that, either by lack of knowledge or denial of the accurate knowledge, is not an excuse of the law.
Those that have died though, will be resurrected to judgment.
Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
2006-11-19 21:01:35 · answer #11 · answered by rangedog 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋